Question

Use the table below to answer questions 16-19. The table includes data collected by Mars Pathfinder on the third Sol, or Martian day, of operation. $$ \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline \multicolumn{3}{|c|}{\text { Sol 3 Temperature Data from Mars Pathfinder }} \\ \hline \text { Proportion of Sol } & \multicolumn{3}{|c|}{\text { Temperature }\left({ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\right)} \\ \hline & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{1 . 0} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{0 . 5} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} & \begin{array}{c} \mathbf{0 . 2 5} \mathbf{~ m} \\ \text { above } \\ \text { surface } \end{array} \\ \hline 3.07 & -70.4 & -70.7 & -73.4 \\ \hline 3.23 & -74.4 & -74.9 & -75.9 \\ \hline 3.33 & -53.0 & -51.9 & -46.7 \\ \hline 3.51 & -22.3 & -19.2 & -15.7 \\ \hline 3.60 & -15.1 & -12.5 & -8.9 \\ \hline 3.70 & -26.1 & -25.7 & -24.0 \\ \hline 3.92 & -63.9 & -64.5 & -65.8 \\ \hline \end{array} $$ What is the range of the listed temperature values for each distance above the surface?

Short answer

Ranges: 1.0m = 59.3°C; 0.5m = 62.4°C; 0.25m = 67.0°C.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Temperatures at Each Height

From the table, we have the temperature data for three different heights above the surface: 1.0m, 0.5m, and 0.25m. For 1.0m: {-70.4, -74.4, -53.0, -22.3, -15.1, -26.1, -63.9}. For 0.5m: {-70.7, -74.9, -51.9, -19.2, -12.5, -25.7, -64.5}. For 0.25m: {-73.4, -75.9, -46.7, -15.7, -8.9, -24.0, -65.8}.

Find the Maximum Temperature for Each Height

Identify the maximum temperature for each height: - For 1.0m: The maximum is -15.1°C. - For 0.5m: The maximum is -12.5°C. - For 0.25m: The maximum is -8.9°C.

Find the Minimum Temperature for Each Height

Identify the minimum temperature for each height: - For 1.0m: The minimum is -74.4°C. - For 0.5m: The minimum is -74.9°C. - For 0.25m: The minimum is -75.9°C.

Calculate the Range for Each Height

The range of temperatures is found by subtracting the minimum temperature from the maximum temperature at each height: - For 1.0m: Range = -15.1 - (-74.4) = 59.3°C. - For 0.5m: Range = -12.5 - (-74.9) = 62.4°C. - For 0.25m: Range = -8.9 - (-75.9) = 67.0°C.

Key concepts

Martian Atmospheric Conditions

Mars is known for its unique atmospheric conditions that significantly differ from those on Earth. The Martian atmosphere is thin, composed mostly of carbon dioxide, with minor amounts of nitrogen and argon. Oxygen, essential for life as we know it, is present but in very small amounts. This makes human colonization challenging without advanced technology and equipment that can generate breathable air.
The thin atmosphere leads to a lack of weather systems like those we experience on Earth. It also results in less insulation, causing dramatic fluctuations in temperature between day and night. The sun's warmth during the day quickly escapes at night, leading to rapid cooling. The temperatures can drop to extremely low values, much colder than the coldest places on Earth. Understanding Mars' atmospheric conditions helps scientists prepare for future missions, including potential human habitations. Knowing the nature of these conditions is crucial for designing equipment and planning activities that are affected by temperature and weather changes.

Temperature Variation on Mars

Temperature variation on Mars is a fascinating subject mainly due to the extreme conditions present on the planet. Data collected by the Mars Pathfinder reveals how temperatures fluctuate significantly over the course of a Martian day, known as a sol. The data shows different readings depending on the height above the Martian surface, such as 1.0 meters, 0.5 meters, and 0.25 meters. This indicates that Mars experiences severe temperature gradients at different altitudes.
These variations are due to the lack of a substantial atmosphere which would otherwise help in moderating temperatures, much like on Earth. During the day, temperatures can become relatively mild but plummet dramatically at night. This range in temperature can challenge equipment and experiments designed to study Martian soil and climate. Understanding these variations allows scientists to develop better strategies to cope with these environmental conditions, which is critical for the success of remote and manned missions.

Data Analysis in Planetary Science

Data analysis in planetary science involves processing and interpreting a variety of data types collected from exploratory missions. It requires a careful examination of numbers and trends over time to draw meaningful conclusions. For instance, analyzing the temperature data from the Mars Pathfinder enables scientists to understand how temperature changes with time and surface distance.
The process often starts with identifying patterns or anomalies in the data. For Mars Pathfinder, temperatures were recorded at different heights, which helps deduce how the planet's surface and its thin atmosphere interact. The analysis includes calculating the range of temperatures, identifying maximum and minimum values, and understanding how these influence Martian climate.
Using these insights, scientists can create models to simulate conditions on Mars, design experiments to study the planet further, and improve our understanding of similar celestial bodies. Data analysis is crucial as it forms the basis for further exploration and the development of technology tailored to endure and function effectively in extraterrestrial environments.